How Does Soda Dehydrate the Body?

Published

Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I was speaking to a nurse whose brother had a 'borderline' creatinine level. Her brother told her that the nurse told him that he drinks alot of soda, and that probably dehydrated him slightly. We were trying to debate this, and from my deduction, it may be that his sugar was elevated.

Anyone have an answer to this? Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

I thought caffeine was a diuretic....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I thought caffeine was a diuretic....

That has been proven false. Google "caffeine diuretic".

http://advance.uconn.edu/2002/020722/02072207.htm

  • When caffeine or a caffeinated beverage is consumed, the body retains some of the fluid;
  • Caffeine consumption causes a mild diuresis very similar to that of water (water, when consumed in large volume, increases urine output);
  • There is no evidence that consumption of caffeinated beverages causes a fluid-electrolyte imbalance that is detrimental to health or exercise performance;
  • A person who regularly consumes caffeine has a higher tolerance to the diuretic effect;
  • The determination of safety or risk of consuming caffeine and caffeinated beverages depends on several factors, including the amount consumed and tolerance to caffeine.

steph

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

I did see the site that you posted when I did a Google search, and so I partially agree with your analysis. But, what is caffeine? It is a stimulant. So what does a stimulant do? It increases heart rate and cardiac output. An increased cardiac output sends more blood to the kidneys, causing an increased amount of urine excretion, leading to the dehydration (diuretic).

If you don't believe me, try it for yourself, or just Google it to learn more.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I was speaking to a nurse whose brother had a 'borderline' creatinine level. Her brother told her that the nurse told him that he drinks alot of soda, and that probably dehydrated him slightly. We were trying to debate this, and from my deduction, it may be that his sugar was elevated.

Anyone have an answer to this? Thanks!

My urologist told me to drink plenty of fluids; I asked him if sodas were allowed. He said it didn't make any difference what I drank as long as it was wet.

I know this doesn't answer your question :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

I've had this saved in my documents to remind me not to drink soda

What is Soda Pop Doing For You?

Do you love your Pepsi or Coke? Can’t go a day without having your soda pop? Addicted to soda like some people are addicted to coffee? Well if you love your soda you aren’t alone but then you also need to read this!

Did you know that your soda could actually kill you? Especially those that are caffeinated.

Read article in its entirety:

http://www.articleclick.com/what-is-soda-pop-doing-for-you.html

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You can have my Coke when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers :stone

btw, there's a research article referenced here; can't seem to find it anywhere else...

http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I checked out snopes.com . . .

About 1/2 way down is info about dehydration and caffeine.

http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp

And the aluminum and Alzheimer's link is tenuous at best.

http://www.sciam.com/article/id/0000FCD2-AA88-1C71-9EB7809EC588F2D7/catID/3

Any time an author blames one agent for so many diseases, you have to look at it skeptically.

There was an urban legend that ran around the internet years ago (maybe still is) that aspartame caused every disease known to mankind.

I agree that drinking a lot of soda with sugar is not good for you. My husband finally started drinking Diet Pepsi after being diagnosed as diabetic. He swore he would not ever be able to do it - but he did. Now he cannot stand how sweet regular Pepsi is.

steph

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You can have my Coke when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers :stone

btw, there's a research article referenced here; can't seem to find it anywhere else...

http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp

Great minds think alike!! :w00t:

I like Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi Max.

steph

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

Okay, I didn't read any of the links, but if it's not caffeine, what about osmotic diuresis from the increased blood sugar levels?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Great minds think alike!! :w00t:

I like Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi Max.

steph

:) Where would I be without snopes and teh Google.

While I believe that all the stuff about aspartame is overblown, I do find that when I drink diet sodas I tend to have issues with headaches and fluid retention (not simply dependent, but hands, face, that sort of thing). Perhaps there is an mild allergy of sorts. Not sure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Okay, I didn't read any of the links, but if it's not caffeine, what about osmotic diuresis from the increased blood sugar levels?
If that were the case, wouldn't you also see that effect with juices? A carb is a carb.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion